Rasmussen encephalitis: an older adult presentation?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroimmunology
• Adult Neurology

Background:

• Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder typically affecting children.
• Adult-onset RE is exceptionally uncommon, accounting for only a small fraction of reported cases.

Observation:

• This case series presents two adult patients over 55 years old diagnosed with RE.
• Both patients exhibited progressive cognitive decline and focal epilepsy.

Findings:

• The study highlights the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and neuropathological findings in older adults with RE.
• Asymmetrical neuroimaging findings were noted in conjunction with cognitive decline and epilepsy.

Implications:

• Rasmussen encephalitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive cognitive decline in older adults, particularly when accompanied by focal epilepsy.
• This study expands the understanding of RE's presentation in elderly populations, suggesting cognitive deterioration as a key feature.